Berlin Airlift

     
          On June 24, 1948, the Soviets created a blockade around the allied-controlled sectors of Berlin, in  order to prevent international aid from allies. Their aim was to supply the allied-controlled sectors with food, fuel, and aid, thereby giving the Soviets practical control over the city. General Lucius D. Clay of the United States Army proposed sending an armored brigade in order to break the Soviet's barrier, but President Harry S. Truman vetoed the idea. Truman later approved the plan to drop supplies via plane to the starving Berliners in order to thwart the Soviet's plan.
          As a response, the Soviet Air force began to violate West Berlin's airspace, regularly harassing flights in and out of West Berlin. On April 5, 1949, a Soviet Air force Yakavlev Yak-3 collided with a British European Airways Vickers Viking 1B airliner near Gatow Airfield, killing everyone aboard both planes. This became known at the Gatow air disaster, furthering tensions between the Soviets and the Allied powers.
          By April 1949 the airlift was running very smoothly, and General William H. Tunner wanted to hold an Easter Parade to break the monotony. The parade boosted the morale of U.S troops considerably, and there was more cargo delivered that month than any previous month. The Soviets were being humiliated by the airlift's success, and the Easter Parade was the last straw. On May 4, 1949, the Soviets agreed to lift the blockade in eight days time. The Soviet blockade was lifted on May 12, and enormous crowds in Berlin celebrated the lifting of the blockade. General Lucius D. Clay retired shortly after, and was awarded a medal by President Truman.

Written By: Sam Melvin, English CP III